NEHB to consider 'flying squad' following baby's death

The North Eastern Health Board is considering the establishment of a 'flying squad' to assist with emergency births following the death of a premature baby whose mother was turned away from Monaghan Hospital last month.

Paul Robinson, the board's chief executive, has proposed a plan which would involve setting up a group of medical experts to deal with emergency births.

Other elements of the plan include a full review of the guidelines on emergency maternity cases in Monaghan Hospital, an increase in nurses and an examination of how management and services can be improved at the hospital.

The Bronagh Livingstone scandal has led to severe criticism of the operation of Monaghan Hospital and its policy of transferring expectant mothers to Cavan.

Monaghan's maternity unit was closed down almost two years ago, but the hospital does have 'protocols' for treating emergency maternity cases.

Bronagh Livingstone died in Cavan Hospital five hours after she was born in an ambulance that was transferring her mother from Monaghan.

An independent report into the matter said Denise Livingstone should have been treated in Monaghan and Mr Robinson, the NEHB's chief executive, said he accepted this.